The Old Cider Mill - Self-catering house in Powys

This 17th-century stone barn was originally a cider mill and is perched on the edge of steep woods about a mile above the river Wye. Together with Annie and John's house, the oldest in Wales, it forms a cosy homestead, secluded and rural but not isolated – Hay-on-Wye and Brecon are both about a 20-minute drive.

Settle into the sitting room, which has good armchairs and sofa, TV and a wood-burner. You can cook for yourself in the Shaker style, flagged kitchen, where an elegant antique dining table has views looking down and across the valley, or join Annie and John's B&B guests for a candlelit dinner. Retire to a light and airy bedroom upstairs.

There’s plenty of good walking in the area, wild swimming in the river or canoeing if the water level is high enough, and you can fish to your heart’s content. Look out for kites, buzzards and the occasional more unusual birds of prey. Return to a drink – or light up the barbecue – on your terrace at sunset, with nothing but the sound of birdsong and sheep.